Steady Mortgage Rates and Improving Housing Inventory Signal 2026 Recovery [140 characters] cover art

Steady Mortgage Rates and Improving Housing Inventory Signal 2026 Recovery [140 characters]

Steady Mortgage Rates and Improving Housing Inventory Signal 2026 Recovery [140 characters]

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 The US housing market shows cautious stability in the past 48 hours, with mortgage rates holding steady around 6 percent amid sluggish sales and rising inventory. Experts polled by Bankrate predict 30-year fixed rates at 6.23 percent will remain largely unchanged this week, with 63 percent forecasting no movement, 25 percent slight declines, and 13 percent rises.[1] Freddie Mac data as of February 9 confirms the 30-year conventional rate at 6.098 percent, up marginally from 6.072 percent a week ago.[3]

Redfin's latest report for the four weeks ending February 1 reveals homes taking a record 64 days to sell, the longest in six years and up six days year-over-year, with pending sales down 3.3 percent to 66,248.[2] The median sale price hit 379,950 dollars, up 1.2 percent annually, while monthly payments fell 4.8 percent to 2,559 dollars at 6.1 percent rates, boosting affordability.[2] New listings rose 1.1 percent to 78,159, and active listings neared 1 million, signaling a shift toward balance with 5.4 months of supply.[2]

Zillow echoes this, noting January home values at 358,968 dollars and payments 8.4 percent lower year-over-year, with inventory up 6 percent to 1.11 million homes.[4] Buyers remain hesitant due to high costs and uncertainty, but sellers are listing more as lock-in effects from low-rate mortgages fade.[2][4]

No major deals, partnerships, product launches, or regulatory shifts emerged in the past 48 hours. President Trump's stance favoring high home prices contrasts voter concerns over affordability.[6][10] Compared to prior weeks, sales slowdown persists from late 2025, but improving listings and easing rates hint at spring recovery, per Redfin agents in Austin and Milwaukee who see picky buyers negotiating harder and more inventory drawing traffic.[2]

Industry leaders like Redfin forecast modest 2026 gains, with forecasts of 1 to 4 percent price growth and 4 to 14 percent sales increases.[5] Amid softer labor data, momentum builds slightly, though experts dismiss crash fears.[8][11] (298 words)

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